Understanding State, Power, and Governance
What is a State and its Essential Elements?
A state is a political organization that exercises power and governance over a population living within a defined territory. The essential elements of a state are:
- Territory: The defined geographical area over which the state exercises its control.
- Population: The people living within the state’s territory, subject to its authority.
- Power (Sovereignty): Each state possesses sovereign power over its territory and population, meaning it has supreme authority within its borders.
Why States Organize Territory into Smaller Units
States divide their territory into smaller units (e.g., provinces, counties, regions, districts) to ensure effective governance and bring power closer to citizens. This facilitates the reach of state action across the entire territory.
Main Objectives of the United Nations (UN)
- To promote the maintenance of international peace and security.
- To foster international cooperation in resolving economic and other conflicts.
- To promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Source of Democratic Power
In a democracy, power resides with the citizens. This principle is known as popular sovereignty.
Origin of a Dictatorship
A dictatorship arises when a single person seizes power, often through force (e.g., a military coup, war, or inheritance).
Power in Democratic States
Power is wielded by the parliament and the government.
Power in Dictatorships
Power is held by the dictator.
Examples of Democratic States
Spain, Slovakia, and Ethiopia.
Examples of Authoritarian States
Libya, Cuba, and Chile.
Examples of Monarchies
Saudi Arabia, other Arab countries, and Ireland.
Examples of Republics
China, Czech Republic, and Dominican Republic.
What is the Constitution?
The Constitution is the fundamental law of a state.
Matching Concepts and Definitions
- Population: People living in the territory of a state.
- State: Political organization that has, over people living in a territory, a power of organization and government.
- Territory: Area over which a state has control.
- Power: Authority exercised by the state over the population and territory within it.
Comparative Table: Democracies vs. Dictatorships
| Aspect | Democracies | Dictatorships |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Power | Citizens, through elections | A single person, often through force (coup, war, or inheritance) |
| Exercise of Power | Through parliament, government, and courts | By the will and decisions of the dictator, without adherence to any standard |
| Control of Power | Parliament, courts, the people, the opposition | No controls on the dictator’s actions |
Classifying Situations: Democracy or Dictatorship
- “Thirty people have been arrested…” – Dictatorship
- “Elections will be held next month…” – Democracy
- “A court has forced the Administration…” – Democracy
- “A journalist will be tried for saying in an article…” – Dictatorship
Purpose of Territorial Division in States
States divide their territories into smaller units to ensure that state action is more effective throughout the territory and that power is closer to the citizens. These units can include provinces, counties, regions, districts, and departments. This is particularly important in a democracy to ensure representation and responsiveness.